This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 TEL AVIV 001948 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR NEA, NEA/IPA (MAHER) 
STATE FOR S/CT (AMBASSADOR CRUMPTON) 
PENTAGON FOR OSD ISRAEL DESK OFFICER (ANDERSON) 
DIA FOR DHO-6 
NSC FOR DPNSA ABRAMS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/18/2016 
TAGS: PREL PTER MASS MARR KPAL KWBG MNUC IR JO EG IS GOI INTERNAL GOI EXTERNAL
SUBJECT: ISRAELI DEFMIN PERETZ SAYS COUNTERING TERRORISM, 
IRAN ARE HIS TOP TWO PRIORITIES 
 
Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Gene A. Cretz for reasons 1.4 (b 
 and d). 
 
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SUMMARY 
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¶1. (C) New Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz told 
Ambassador Jones May 17 that defending Israel from the 
terrorist threat is his number one priority.  He said that 
dealing with the Iranian nuclear threat is his second 
priority, and expressed gratitude for America's support and 
firm stance on the matter.  The Ambassador requested the 
DefMin's support for (a) GOI participation in a June 7 
Security Working Group meeting, (b) U.S. plans to improve 
physical security at Israel-Gaza crossings, (c) possible 
training and ammunition support for the PA President's 
security guard; and (d) USAID's program to place scanners at 
Israel-Gaza crossings.  The Ambassador also stressed the 
importance the USG places on transformation of Israel's 
export control system.  Peretz's comments on Palestinian 
humanitarian issues, the MDA, and human trafficking are 
covered in septels.  END SUMMARY. 
 
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TOP TWO PRIORITIES: TERRORISM AND IRAN 
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¶2. (C) Peretz said that countering the terrorist threat is 
his "number one priority," and that he has taken several 
decisions in line with his "extremely unequivocal worldview" 
to address threats since assuming office ten days ago.  He 
said that he must combat terror "in an uncompromising way" 
and take steps to address the plight of the Palestinian 
people.  Peretz said that the tension "boiling" between 
Israel and the Palestinians is escalating and provides a 
pretext for terrorists and unfriendly countries in the region 
to take action against Israel.  The DefMin said that he 
believes Israel must identify pragmatic elements on the 
Palestinian side and open a dialogue with them.  He added 
that, "The question of a political settlement with the 
Palestinians is a moral one.  We must get rid of large chunks 
of land in the territories.  There is no reason to control 
other people." 
 
¶3. (C) Peretz said dealing with a nuclear armed Iran is his 
second priority, and expressed Israel's gratitude for U.S. 
cooperation on the issue.  He said that he salutes the U.S. 
for taking a firm stand on Iran and treating it as a 
strategic issue and threat to international security. 
 
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REQUEST FOR DEFMIN'S SUPPORT ON OTHER SECURITY ISSUES 
--------------------------------------------- -------- 
 
¶4. (C) The Ambassador requested the DefMin's support on the 
following issues: 
 
¶A. Israeli participation in the June 7 Security Working Group 
meeting organized by U.S. Security Coordinator (USSC) General 
Dayton (NOTE: Peretz did not commit to participation, but 
seemed open to it.  Pol-Mil Bureau Chief Amos Gilad suggested 
to Peretz that the Europeans should not be invited to the 
meeting.  END NOTE.); 
 
¶B. The Joint USSC and USAID plan to improve physical security 
at crossings between Israel and Gaza; 
 
¶C. The USSC's proposal to provide training, and possibly 
ammunition, to Abbas' Presidential Security Guard (PSG) in 
order to enhance its ability to protect the president and 
provide security at the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt 
(NOTE:  Peretz said that Egypt and Jordan should provide 
training for the PSG, and indicated that he would discuss 
this issue with his advisors on May 18.  END NOTE.); 
 
¶D. USAID's USD 50 million program to place scanners at the 
crossings between Gaza and Green-Line Israel (NOTE:  The 
Ambassador said we would be willing to place an additional 
scanner at the Karni crossing if we knew that it would be 
used there.  END NOTE.); 
¶5. (C) The Ambassador also noted the priority the USG places 
on Israel's transformation of its export control system.  He 
urged the DefMin to work to ensure quick Knesset passage of 
the draft Defense Export Control Act and dual-use control 
order. 
 
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BIO NOTES ON THE NEW DEFENSE MINISTER 
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¶6. (C) Peretz spoke primarily in Hebrew from well-prepared 
cue cards placed in front of him, with an aide interpreting 
to English.  As the Ambassador raised issues, the DefMin took 
notes, and responded to each one substantively, demonstrating 
familiarity with a broad range of humanitarian issues. 
Peretz referred more than once to how his "worldview" guides 
his decision-making, and how sticking to his principles has 
led to his political success.  He interacted easily with the 
other members of his team (e.g., Military Advisor BGEN Eitan 
Dangott, and Pol-Mil Bureau Chief Amos Gilad) in front of the 
Ambassador, and appeared comfortable in his new role.  He 
spoke in Hebrew and relied on an advisor, Shmuel Limone, and 
Amos Gilad for translation.  He indicated at various times 
during the meeting that he understood what the Ambassador 
said in English, and himself spoke in English briefly at the 
meeting's conclusion.  He was polite, displayed a good sense 
of humor, and likes to use it.  Peretz told the Ambassador 
that he would like to visit the U.S. soon. 
 
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JONES